Claire's eyes darkened as she realized the gravity of her situation. Who would have thought she'd end up caught in Suzanne's web of deceit? This woman had been playing a long game, hiding her true self for decades.

Claire locked eyes with Suzanne, her expression serious and unyielding. She gestured dismissively at Barrett, who was barely hanging on behind her. "Is this your grand gesture, Suzanne?"

Suzanne glanced over at Barrett, who looked half-gone. "Him? Just a pawn, really. Hardly a grand gesture," she said with a laugh. "Think of him as just an appetizer."

Claire's voice was steady, even as the scene disturbed her. "You know he's just a tool to me. Why not just end it or set him free? There's no need for this cruelty."

The sight was enough to unsettle anyone, and Barrett seemed too far gone to be saved. This kind of death was a fate worse than hell.

Suzanne chuckled, still carrying that unsettling, gentle demeanor. "Feeling sorry for this trophy boy, are we? What is it? Does he remind you of someone, or have you actually caught feelings?"

Claire shook her head internally. Feelings for Barrett? Never. He was just a pastime, a loyal pet. Yet, his unwavering loyalty stirred something in her a flicker of compassion. She was fine with ending his life, but she drew the line at torture.

Plus, this was clearly Suzanne's way of trying to humiliate her through Barrett's suffering.

Claire took a deep breath, pushing down her simmering anger. "What do you really want, Suzanne?"

"Oh, nothing much. Just for you to settle your debts with me."

Claire couldn't help but laugh at the absurdity. "Debts? What debts?"

"You've got a whole lifetime of debts to me. You took my friend, ruined my child, and now you've let your lackey disgrace my daughter. These are your debts, Claire."

The pieces finally clicked for Claire-Suzanne's grudge traced back to the day Pax and Eve got engaged.

Claire shrugged, her tone indifferent. "If that's the case, just kill him then."

Suzanne shook her head, a smirk on her face. Oh, no. Living is a worse punishment than death. I want you both to f feel the world's pain and die in disgrace. Claire, you'd better start shaking in your boots."

But Claire wasn't fazed. Death was just an end, nothing more. "Suzanne, you really think a lowlife like you can make me bow down? You're not even fit to shine my shoes.

Suzanne's face fell. She'd played the subservient role for so long just for this

moment. Yet, here was Claire, still defiant.

Suzanne stepped closer, gripping

Claire's chin tight. "Look around, Claire. You're not the grand duchess of the Sartori family anymore. You're a prisoner now. Crushing you be easier than stepping on an ant."

With a sneer, she added, "And just so you know, the Sartori family has cut you loose. Connor's exposed your crimes, and you're now a fugitive worldwide."

"Your son's got a knack for this, but he's not ruthless enough. He's had the evidence for years, but now that he's spilled the beans, he must be done with you."

Claire was stunned, her mind reeling from the flood of information. She looked at Suzanne in disbelief. "How do you know all this?"

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